26/01/2017 - Football victory creates buzz for coach firm
Southampton coach firm expecting busy time thanks to the success of local football team
A Southampton coach firm is preparing itself for what could be one of its busiest days of the year thanks to the success of its local football team.
Saints FC secured its second win against Liverpool on Wednesday, securing a place in the EFL Cup Final against either Manchester United or Hull at Wembley. With more than 31,000 Saints fans expected to travel to London for the cup decider, local coach firm Coliseum Coaches is already seeing a surge in calls and visits to its website.
Paul Barringer, group sales and marketing director, said: “We’ve seen huge demand for coach tickets since news broke that Saints would be in the final. The teams fans are some of the most passionate supporters in the country so it’s no surprise that many have been quick to arrange their travel plans to Wembley. This, coupled with the fact we’re offering one of the lowest price coach travel packages to and from the game, means we’re bracing ourselves for a very busy day on February 26.
“We have already set aside more than 10 luxurious 53-seat coaches for the big day but, with the level of demand we’re seeing at the moment, we can easily triple the number of vehicles we put on. We have a fleet of almost 130 so have the capacity to transport thousands of fans to Wembley if needed.”
Coliseum Coaches, which is offering return tickets to the Wembley game at £20 per person, is no stranger to this kind of demand and has run more than 50 coaches to a single football game in the past.
Paul said: “It’s a huge logistical undertaking but we’re more than qualified for the challenge. Our staff across all areas of the business, from sales and planning to engineering and driving, are already working together to ensure the day runs with military precision.”
Coliseum Coaches, which has even had calls from fans asking to book entire coaches for group travel to the game, will be putting on extra drivers on the day. Pick up points will be placed at:
Coliseum Coaches’ depot in West End
Britannia Road, Southampton
Eastleigh bus station
The King Alfred Statue, Winchester
Fleet services
Paul concluded: “While we can’t predict exactly how many seats we’ll be filling on the day one thing is for sure; we’ll be glued to the game and keeping our fingers crossed for a Saints victory.”
Tickets can be purchased via www.coliseumcoaches.co.uk or by calling 023 8047 2377.